Iran's Revolutionary Guards Strengthen Power as New Leader Challenges President

Iran's Revolutionary Guards are consolidating greater authority within the country's power structure, with a new leader already positioning himself in opposition to the president. This development signals a potential shift in Iran's internal balance of power, where the Revolutionary Guards—the elite military force responsible for protecting the Islamic Republic's ideology—may be gaining influence at the expense of the civilian government. The Revolutionary Guards have historically wielded significant political and economic power in Iran, operating as both a military force and a major economic player, often competing with elected officials for control over key policy decisions.